Notice of Privacy Policies and HIPAA Compliance

The purpose of this notice is to  describe  how your medical/dental information, address, telephone numbers that relate to you may be used and disclosed and how you may access this information under law. Our dental team has been trained and educated on the way your protected information is handled.

Uses and Disclosure of Protected health information : Your protected health information may be used and disclosed by your dentist, our office staff and others outside of our office that are involved in your care and treatment for the purpose of providing health care/dental services to you, obtain payment for your health dental services from insurance, and or supporting the dentists operation of practice and or any other use as required by law. This also includes and is not limited to your personal contact information such as address , telephone number, email addresses for the purposes of communication about your dental/healthcare.

Treatment: We will use and disclose your protected health information only to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare or any related services. This includes the coordination and or management of your healthcare information with a third party. For example; Your protected health information may be shared with and provided to another dentist to whom you have been referred to , to ensure that the dentist has the necessary information to diagnose and provide the dental treatment necessary and relevant to your health.

Payments: Your protected health information will be used, as needed to obtain payment for your healthcare service; for example obtaining an approval for a root canal may require that your relevant protected health information be disclosed to your dental health plan to obtain an approval for the necessary root canal.

HealthCare Operations:  We may use or disclose, as needed, your protected health information in order to support the business activities of your dentist’s practice. These activities may include, but are not limited to, quality assessment activities, insurance audits, employee review activities, training of dental students and or another employee, licensing and and conducting or arranging for other business activities. For example, we may disclose your protected health information to dental assistants that assist dentists with patients ant our office. In addition we may use a sign in sheet at the front desk in which you may be asked to sign your name and indicate your appointment reason and or dentist/ practitioner. We may use or disclose your protected health information as necessary to contact you and remind you of your dental appointments.

Required Uses and Disclosures; Under law, we must make disclosures to you when you and when required by the secretary of department of health and human services to investigate or determine our compliance with the requirements of Section 184.500. We may use or disclose your protected health information in the following situations by law without your authorization; These situations may include as required by law; Public Health Issues, Communicable diseases, Health Oversight, Abuse and or Neglect, Food and Drug administration requirements. Legal proceedings, Law enforcement, Criminal Activity, Military Activity, National Security, Workers Compensation, Research, Coroners, Funeral Directors, Organ Donation for example . Any other permitted uses and disclosures that do not fall under those categories will only be made with your consent or authorization or opportunity to object, Unless required by law. Revocation: You may revoke this authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent that your dentist/practitioner or dental practice has taken an action in reliance on the use or disclosure indicated  in this authorization. The following is a statement regarding “Your Rights”;You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your protected health information WITHIN 30 days of written request; however under federal law you are NOT allowed to inspect or obtain a copy of your ; Psychotherapy notes, information compiled in reasonable anticipations of, or in use in, civil, criminal, or administrative actions and or proceedings, the protected health information is subject to law that prohibits access to such. Your Dentist/ Practitioner is not required to agree to a restriction that you may request. If your dentist/ practitioner believes it is in your best interest to permit use and/ or disclosure of your protected health information, your protected health information will not be restricted. You then have a right to obtain services from another healthcare professional.  You have the right to request to receive confidential communications from us by alternative means or alternative location, Please notify us specifically  in writing if you wish to do so .You have a right to obtain a paper copy of this form, upon request even if you have already agreed to accept this notice alternatively (Ex: electronically). You have the right to have your dentist/practitioner amend your protected health information. If we deny your request for amendment, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement with us and we may prepare a rebuttal; to your statement; we will provide you with a copy of any such rebuttal. You have a right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures we have made, if any, of your protected health information . We reserve the right to change the terms of the notice and will inform you by mail of any changes. You then have the right to object or withdraw as provided in this notice. Complaints: You may file any complaints to us or to the secretary of health and human services if you believe your privacy  rights have been violated by us. You may file a complaint with us by notifying our office/ privacy contact of your complaint. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. We are required by law to maintain the privacy of, and provide individuals with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information. If you have any objection to this form, please ask to speak with our HIPPA Compliance personnel. 

Terms of Service for SMS Communications

SMS Consent Communication: Our office uses  Cell / Phone Numbers obtained as part of the SMS consent process and  will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for any marketing purposes. It is solely for communication between office and patient and sensitive information will not be disclosed as per privacy policy practices. Types of SMS Communications: If you have opted IN and consented to receive text messages from Grand Dental (Andy Ngan Tran DMD INC) , you may receive messages related to the following; Appointment reminders, Confirmations, Follow- up messages, scheduling and any updates regarding scheduling. Message Frequency: Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to [2] SMS messages per week related to your [appointments/billing, etc.]. Potential Fees for SMS Messaging: Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally. Opt-In Method: You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from  Grand Dental in the following ways Verbally, during a conversation, By messaging us first or By approving it in writing in person on your first dental visit. Opt-Out Method: You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply “STOP” to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list. Help: If you are experiencing any issues, please contact our office directly for further assistance. Standard Messaging Disclosures: Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting “STOP.”For assistance please use our contact forms page or call the office directly. Message frequency may vary. Please notify us immediately of any changes to your personal information including cell phone numbers so that they may be updated accordingly.